Module overview
This module introduces some advanced programming, simulation and design modelling frameworks and tools. Teaching activities are a combination of taught sessions, expanded self-study supported by the Professional Skills Hub and practical hands-on sessions in computer laboratories. The tools and techniques studied in this module are also used in the companion design module in practical hands-on applications.
For Aerospace Electronics students, the analogue relationship between aerospace and electronic systems are explored, enabling electronic circuit problems, aerospace and mechanical systems to be treated in the same framework. Efficient approaches to represent, simulate and analyse dynamics systems are developed and applied. Modelling, analysis and programming techniques are also introduced to understand, simulate and visualise such dynamic systems.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Produce appropriate models for aerospace problems
- Design, write and debug Object-Oriented programs
- Use simple numerical programs to solve physical problems
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Model software systems before implementation.
- Address novel design challenges by choosing appropriate analysis and design methods.
- Select an appropriate numerical approach for different simple mathematical problems.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Mathematical techniques for the analysis of aerospace system problems.
- Physical system modelling.
- The principles of Object-Oriented programming, including the concepts of inheritance, abstraction and polymorphism.
- The use of programs for numerical solution of mathematical equations.
- Physical models of components.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Use appropriate simulation software.
- Effectively integrate reusable OO libraries.
- Analyse, enhance and debug existing OO programs.
Syllabus
Advanced Programming
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (C++)
- Encapsulation; Classes; Objects; Inheritance; Polymorphism
- Programming in C++: The software lifecycle; Source code control; Testing
- Use of OO modelling tools, including UML
- Exception Handling; Storage (Files & Databases); Dynamic memory allocation
- Introduction to data structures; Trees and Graphs; Stacks queues and linked lists; Searching and sorting
- Programming Skills; Use of high-level program development tools; Collaborative programming
Numerical Programming
- Introduction to numerical simulation
- Numerical solution of ODEs
- Numerical simulation of PDEs
Numerical Analysis of Fields and Aerospace Systems
- Methods for numerical integration
- Software approaches for PDEs in Field Problems
- Finite Element Method
- Simulation and Analysis of Aerospace Systems using Block Diagram Tools
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading, pre-recorded materials and practical sessions.
Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities and tutorials.
Students work on their practical skills and professional skills through laboratory sessions and discussion tutorials.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Follow-up work | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 60 |
| Specialist Laboratory | 36 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Online documents. Lecture notes and details of assignments and assessment schemes will be provided on line.
Software requirements. The student version of Orcad/PSpice and LTSpice
Laboratory space and equipment required. IC fabrication facilities
Textbooks
Sedra A S & Smith K C (2004). Microelectronic Circuits. OUP.
Williams T (2005). The Circuit Designer's Companion. Newnes,.
Spencer R R & Ghausi M S (2003). Introduction to Electronic Circuit Design. Prentice Hall.
Lidwell W, Holden K and Butler J (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers Inc.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
This module is assessed entirely by a combination of coursework exercises, presentations and reports, along with demonstrations.
There is no referral opportunity for this module.
There is no external repeat opportunity for this module.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal